This lists the logos of programs or partners of NG Education which have provided or contributed the content on this page.
Program
1. Build background about mapping.
Ask students to imagine the following scenario: They are birds flying above Earth. They look below to locate food, water, and a safe place to build a nest. They depend on natural resources to survive. Explain to students that scientists studying biodiversity use a birds’-eye view to make maps of Earth. Show students the map illustration. Explain that on the maps, scientists mark the locations of natural resources and the species that live nearby. These maps show important patterns. Ask: How do you think these maps are made?
2. Model creating a map.
On the board, model creating a map by doing the following with student input:
- Choose an area to map as a class.
- Think about the space or area you are mapping. Ask: Is it small or large? Is it a city block or a continent?
- Determine the scale. Ask: Should one inch on the map represent 10 feet or 1,000 miles? Explain to students that maps of smaller areas contain more detail than maps of larger areas.
- Check direction. Remind students that, on location, they can check direction (north, south, east, west) using a GPS unit or compass. On your class map, add a north arrow or compass rose.
- Add details such as land and water features, vegetation, signs of animals, and signs of human influence.
3. Introduce the mapping activity.
Divide students into small groups. Tell the groups they will select and map an area of their own. Assign an area or ask them to select an area to map. If needed, suggest the school playground, cafeteria, library, or classroom.
4. Review map elements and have students map their areas.
Review the elements students should include on their map:
- natural features
- human features
- a north arrow or compass rose indicating direction
- a scale bar indicating scale
Have students map their chosen or assigned areas.
5. Have students reflect on the process.
When the groups have completed their maps, invite a volunteer from each group to share their maps and the process they used to create their maps. Ask:
- What details did you think were important to include?
- How did you determine direction?
- How did you determine scale?
Subjects & Disciplines
- Biology
- Geography
Learning Objectives
Students will:
- select and map an area
- find direction, determine scale, and identify natural and human features
Teaching Approach
- Learning-for-use
Teaching Methods
- Discussions
- Hands-on learning
Skills Summary
This activity targets the following skills:
-
Critical Thinking Skills
- Applying
- Understanding
- Geographic Skills
Connections to National Standards, Principles, and Practices
National Geography Standards
- Standard 1: How to use maps and other geographic representations, geospatial technologies, and spatial thinking to understand and communicate information
National Science Education Standards
- (K-4) Standard C-3: Organisms and environments
What You’ll Need
Materials You Provide
- Paper
- Pencils
- Pens
Required Technology
- Internet Access: Optional
- Tech Setup: 1 computer per classroom, Projector
Physical Space
- Classroom
Grouping
- Large-group instruction
- Small-group instruction
Background Information
A BioBlitz is a way for communities to learn about the biological diversity of a geographical area and to better understand how to protect the species found at that location. In order to undertake a BioBlitz, students need to have a specific set of skills. These skills involve observing natural phenomena, identifying different species of organisms, classifying them into categories, and mapping the data for conservation and management in the future. Maps can reveal patterns between a specific landscape and the organisms that live there.
Prior Knowledge
- None
Recommended Prior Activities
- None
Vocabulary
a field study in which groups of scientists and citizens study and inventory all the different kinds of living organisms within a given area.
Websites
Partner
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Maps and Mapping
Whether your map is paper or digital, mastering the basics of reading it are vital to finding your way around and understanding how the world works. Maps are fantastic visual tools that can help us communicate spatial concepts and patterns, tell stories, and analyze data. However, there are some challenges to translating Earth onto a flat surface without adding bias or inaccuracies. Fortunately, cartographers have the training to minimize these issues. Maps have been a part of the National Geographic Society since the beginning. Gilbert H. Grosvenor, the first full-time editor of National Geographic, described maps as “the greatest of all epic poems. It's lines and colors show the realization of great dreams.” Learn more about the basics of reading a map, creating a map, and choosing the best map projection.
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Biodiversity
Biodiversity refers to the variety of organisms found in a particular habitat. It is important to maintain biodiversity because we rely on it for ecosystem services, which fall into four main categories: provisioning, regulating, cultural, and supporting. The earth provides these to us for free and they are critical to achieving a planet in balance. Use these resources to explore the diverse species that exist across the globe, and encourage your students to become good stewards of life on earth.
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Map
A map is a symbolic representation of selected characteristics of a place, usually drawn on a flat surface
-
Scaling Up Classroom Maps
National Geographic Education has found that larger maps are more engaging in classrooms.
-
Cardinal Directions and Maps
Students listen to a poem that uses cardinal directions. They use a compass rose to help describe locations of places on a world map.
-
Maps and Mapping
Whether your map is paper or digital, mastering the basics of reading it are vital to finding your way around and understanding how the world works. Maps are fantastic visual tools that can help us communicate spatial concepts and patterns, tell stories, and analyze data. However, there are some challenges to translating Earth onto a flat surface without adding bias or inaccuracies. Fortunately, cartographers have the training to minimize these issues. Maps have been a part of the National Geographic Society since the beginning. Gilbert H. Grosvenor, the first full-time editor of National Geographic, described maps as “the greatest of all epic poems. It's lines and colors show the realization of great dreams.” Learn more about the basics of reading a map, creating a map, and choosing the best map projection.
-
Biodiversity
Biodiversity refers to the variety of organisms found in a particular habitat. It is important to maintain biodiversity because we rely on it for ecosystem services, which fall into four main categories: provisioning, regulating, cultural, and supporting. The earth provides these to us for free and they are critical to achieving a planet in balance. Use these resources to explore the diverse species that exist across the globe, and encourage your students to become good stewards of life on earth.
-
Map
A map is a symbolic representation of selected characteristics of a place, usually drawn on a flat surface
-
Scaling Up Classroom Maps
National Geographic Education has found that larger maps are more engaging in classrooms.
-
Cardinal Directions and Maps
Students listen to a poem that uses cardinal directions. They use a compass rose to help describe locations of places on a world map.